To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions

(1) what his most recent estimate is of the average (a) private sector rent level and (b) housing benefit paid to claimants in private sector accommodation in the London Borough of Islington for (i) four bedroom, (ii) two bedroom and (iii) one bedroom accommodation;

(2) what the average level of (a) private sector rent and (b) housing benefit paid to claimants in private sector accommodation was for (i) four bedroom, (ii) two bedroom and (iii) one bedroom accommodation in London in the last 12 months.

The information requested on average private rented sector rents is not available.

At March 2010, in the London borough of Islington, the average housing benefit paid for customers assessed under the local housing allowance arrangements was:

£168 per week for those with a one-bedroom entitlement;

£291 per week for those with a two-bedroom entitlement; and

£482 per week for those with a four-bedroom entitlement.

At March 2010, in London, the average housing benefit paid for customers assessed under the local housing allowance arrangements was:

£156 per week for those with a one-bedroom entitlement;

£204 per week for those with a two-bedroom entitlement; and

£326 per week for those with a four-bedroom entitlement.

N ote:

Figures rounded to the nearest £.

Source:

Single Housing Benefit Extract